Dhaka:President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday emphasized the need for collective efforts to protect the rights and dignity of the Christian community in Bangladesh, advocating for an inclusive society.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the President made these remarks during a meeting with a 25-member delegation led by Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dhaka, Subrata B Gomes, at Bangabhaban. He urged for a societal movement against division and communalism under the guise of religion and rejected the return of authoritarianism and fascism.
President Mirza Fakhrul stated that Bangladesh belongs to all its citizens, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that no citizen faces deprivation or discrimination due to their religious identity. He acknowledged the Christian community's significant contributions to education, healthcare, and social services in the country, highlighting institutions like Holy Cross, St Gregory's, St Joseph's, and Notre Dame for their roles in education and human resource development.
The delegation discussed various issues affecting the Christian community, seeking the President's support in addressing them. President Mirza Fakhrul encouraged community leaders to actively voice their concerns regarding the management of institutions and assets. He assured them of his assistance in resolving these issues.
The President also stressed the importance of preserving the diverse languages, cultures, and traditions within different communities in Bangladesh, advocating for continued mutual empathy and communal harmony. The meeting was attended by notable figures such as Anna Minj, Senior Vice-Chairman of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust, and other prominent members of the Christian community.